Introduction: Homeopathic Philosophy

Herbal remedies combat stress are popular: one need only check the Internet for the amount of websites promoting herbal and homoeopathic remedies. Stress is a common predicament today. It can lead to all manner of health problems: everything from ulcers to impotence; heart problems, digestive problems even leading to cancer. Not everyone goes to doctor, or necessarily trusts modern medicine. Homoeopathy is a controversial alternative and many of its remedies are so dilute that conventional science argues it can not really be effective. However, homeopathy seeks to use chemicals, particularly from naturally occurring compounds such as herbs, to treat like with like with like: this recreates symptoms in a minute way. The symptoms are seen as the body’s way of attempting to restore its own equilibrium.

Herbs are Chemicals Too!

There is a widely-held belief that herbal remedies for stress relief , being natural, will not have as many side effects as man made drugs; but many natural remedies contain the substances on which drugs are based. Valerian for instance is similar to diazepam and actually is the chemical constituent of valium. Even salic acid, the main active ingredient in aspirin is derived from willow bark!

If They are Chemicals What Do They Do?

What many of the herbal remedies do in stress relief is either calm the system down, or act as a sedative or tranquilizer (Hops,) Some claim to have anti-oxidants (Flavinoids) (Passion Flower).Some claim to be mood stabilizers such as Skull Cap; Cat nip works on de-stressing the brain and well as calming the digestive system. Quite the opposite effect that the plant has on a cat! Something like Rhodiola, an adaptogenic herb suggested for people who are continually have disrupted sleep patterns, regulates the heart, as well as suppressing the depression causing chemicals in the brain and improving the serotonin levels. It’s also an aphrodisiac: perhaps another way of improving the mood? Chamomile, commonly drunk as a sedative tea will also help the immune system during times of depression. St John’s Wort is commonly also used as a natural anti-depressant although it should be used with caution if taking other medication.

Other uses For the Herbs

However, herbal stress remedies do not necessarily have to be ingested to be effective. Aromatherapy has always been a popular way to relax. Lavender oil, either burned or dropped in a bath is claimed by many to be soothing and calming. In the end, whatever herbal remedy is chosen, stress can also be combated by exercise, a good diet and time dedicated to switching off.

Conclusions

Human beings have been using herbal remedies for millennia. Some of the treatments that we use today were originally based on natural materials. Herbal remedies are an effective treatment for many conditions, not limited to but including conditions such as stress.